Per Joe’s request, there will be no funeral. The family asks that instead of flowers, family, friends, and fans donate to the ALS Association or the Vanderbilt Medical Center ALS and Neuroscience Research Center.

Bonsall was a 50-year member of the legendary country band The Oak Ridge Boys. He had been having health issues for the last few years, which forced him to retire from performing with his band earlier this year.

His statement on January 3, 2024 read:

Many of you know I have been battling a slow onset (over 4 years now) of a neuromuscular disorder. I am now to a point that walking is impossible so I have basically retired from the road. It has just gotten too difficult. It has been a great 50 years and I am thankful to all the Oak Ridge Boys band crew and staff for the constant love and support shown to me through it all. I will never forget and for those of you who have been constantly holding me up in prayer I thank you and ask for you to keep on praying.”

Little did we know that the neuromuscular disorder he had been battling was ALS.

His death has rocked the country music world, from his band members, to friends he made throughout his 50-year career. See all of their reactions below.

Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys shared a press release announcing “We ask that everyone please respect the privacy of the Bonsall family at this time.”

William Lee Golden

The Oak Ridge Boys member took to Facebook to write, “Sadness Continues .” Golden is mourning the loss of his 65-year-old son, Rusty, just eight days before his bandmate’s passing.